"Providing other access points with sufficient parking to Hidden Falls will greatly reduce the current pressure placed on the Mears Place access road. " - Maureen HendersonHidden Falls Park has been a huge success. Everyday, people flock to Hidden Falls and enjoy miles of hiking and riding trails through acres and acres of open space. Currently being considered is an expansion of the trail system that connects Hidden Falls to other open space preserves. The 50 acres of open space preservation will provide parking, so people can access thousands of acres of open space all the way to the Bear River.

Those of us in support of the Expansion Project have listened to, and read, the objections by surrounding property owners. The majority of our members also live in rural or semi-rural areas and understand the concerns voiced by those in opposition to this expansion. While we have an understanding of their concerns, the parcels which have been acquired over the years by the Placer Land Trust are intended for “public use.” The purpose of these acquisitions is to provide outdoor recreation to the public.

As the Sacramento Valley expands and our suburban areas grow, the demand for open space continually increases. There is not much purpose to acquiring lands for public use if the public is unable to gain access to them. Having access is tantamount to the future expansion of Hidden Falls Regional Park. The Bell Road area is a critical piece of the puzzle that fulfills the vision of a trail network opening up and connecting various land holdings to the public.

Providing other access points with sufficient parking to Hidden Falls will greatly reduce the current pressure placed on the Mears Place access road. Examples of other California Parks with residential area in close proximity are: (1) Briones Regional Park surrounded by the towns of central Contra Costa County. This regional park has five major access points, and (2) Annadel State Park situated at the northern edge of Sonoma Valley. Access to Annadel is through an upscale residential area.

In my position as trails liaison of the Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association, I know the Bell Road acquisition is an important addition to the county’s trail network and would truly benefit the public. Hopefully, our county supervisors will expedite this project and enhance our trail network for everyone.

Maureen Henderson is the past president and trails liaison for Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association.

--by Claire Cudahyin the Tahoe Tribune newspaper​What's better motivation to get moving on a trail than the reward of a picnic with aged cheese, cured meats and other delectable bites? Short of being stalked by a mountain lion, absolutely nothing.Before the snow flies, fall is the best time to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada on foot.These five hikes, ranging in distance and difficulty, showcase the diversity of landscape in the region. Added bonus: They all boast excellent spots to chow down while taking in the views.

LAKE MARGARETThe hike to Lake Margaret is roughly 4.6 miles (around 500 feet in elevation gain) along an out-and-back trail in El Dorado National Forest. Large granite rocks surround the alpine lake and make for a perfect spot to spread out a picnic. The trailhead is a short jaunt from the lake near Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

WOODS, WINNEMUCCA AND ROUND TOP LAKESTake your pick of three lakes to sit by while eating that pastrami sandwich you've been thinking about all morning. This 5-mile loop trail (about 1,200 feet in elevation gain) into the Mokelumne Wilderness also features sweeping views of the mountains, old mining equipment and beautiful creeks setting the soundtrack for the hike.

SPOONER LAKEThe 2.4-mile loop around Spooner Lake is doable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail features benches along the way that are great for taking in views of the lake while noshing on a thermos-full of soup. Or a burrito. Or a big salad. You get the idea.

PICNIC ROCKTrek along the Tahoe Rim Trail near Kings Beach to find the ultimate spot for dining al fresco — Picnic Rock. The 3.1-mile (730 feet of elevation gain) out-and-back trail guides you to the vista where you'll get an excellent view of the lake from the rocky outcrop. Cool points if you somehow manage to lug a wicker picnic basket up to its namesake rock.

MOUNT TALLACIf you're a masochist, drag your lunch 3,200 feet up Mount Tallac for a day of walking 10 miles on uneven shale and questioning all of your life decisions. If you make it to the top, ask your fit friend who made you do this to feed you chunks of Gouda and salami since you lack the energy to do so yourself. Oh, and don't forget to take in the jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness while you're up there.

Remember Quarry Trail?--By Mary West​ When was the last time you enjoyed the level, wide road that follows a 5.5-mile stretch of the Middle Fork of the American River from the Confluence in the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) back to Main Bar? With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, it may be time to go back. Not much has changed. The park placed giant blocks in front of the Hawver Cave in an effort to deter vandals. I will miss the rush of cool air on a hot summer day that came out the entrance through the large gates. I have so many fond memories of this trail. (Photo credit: Mary West)

I have sat out on the rock outcropping overlooking Murders Bar two miles in and watched the sun move across the sky and shine on the canyon walls as the river flowed over the boulders on its way to the Confluence. I had the pleasure of swimming with otters in the pools below the rapids. I have eaten my share of blackberries off the vines in one of the shaded bends of the trail.

The Canyon Keepers have installed some nice message boards to explain the concrete foundations found here. Along the way you see signs for the climbing area. some call it our Little Yosemite. I have climbed the rock faces of Cave Valley, thank you Gordy. I can’t adequately describe the euphoria of making it to the top. I can’t explain the view to give it justice, aside from saying you have to see it for yourself.

There are no waterfalls. No easy access to the river. You have to scramble down off the road to the get to the water, but it is always worth it. The water is colder on this fork as it comes from the bottom of Oxbow dam and is not warmed by the sun as much as the North Fork. Once back to Main Bar you find more trails to take you still further to waterfalls and other views and opportunities.

To get there take Highway 49 south from Auburn, turn right over the American River toward Cool. A quarter mile up the road on your left there is a small parking lot. The trail head is below the parking lot behind gate No. 151. State parks charges a $10 day use fee.

I will keep going back, the earlier the better to find a parking spot. I will pick up litter when I see it, as many of us do. I will keep telling people about it even though friends keep telling me to stop sharing all our best trails. Honestly, I like it for no better reason than I have so many memories that each step is like a page in an old photo album.

Mary West is author of the book “Day Hiker: The Gold Country Trail Guide.” Mary won the 2017 CRAFT Award for her hiking column “Day Hiker” from the Outdoor Writers of California. She is currently working on here the second Gold Country trail guide. Learn more about local trails by following Mary on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Instagram.